Alfred, people care or we wouldn't respond. When I read your August MRI, I too am perplexed as your drs. Finding the focal pain generator is very important before they recommend any surgery.The medical people care, it's just they seem to lack urgency because they know it takes time to receed. Nerve inflammation takes time to heal and the pain to me is the worst of all types of pain. But one thing I learned is that conservative care is the best pursuit and with the right level of cortisone orally and proper placed injections it can be tamed. You may have to take some oxycontin and gabapentin and have shots several times over a year. BUT it way better than doing surgery. Many who have had spine surgeries regret it. One fusion leads to another fusion, loose hardware, arachnodosis, all kinds of issues. I have 5 cervical 5 lumbar and 2 thoracis levels with troubles. I have been fighting chronic dorsal nerve root pain at L4 from a lumber laminectomy in 1998. As queen of pain, I know the cervical nerve pain especially when its numb all the way down you arm and you cant even lift your arm and your finger and numb, can drive you crazy, I will take the conservative path everytime, steroids and oxy toll it recedes.. But it takes lots of time and patience. I dont golf or play tennis anymore, but can occasionally ride a bike and love nature walks. The point is ,you find a way to adapt. Also, find a PT who does neuromodulation and cold lasar, they really help!. And remeber the ICE!!! ICE ,ICE!!
your friend JM1